Connecting to a process such as group-building using movement
- Start by having children say their name with a movement that everyone copies.
- Have children keep doing their movement as they move through the space to some meditative music. They can use the same motions or start doing something else; the point is to become comfortable moving through the space. Discourage going in only one direction Talk about using the entire space, up above them, down below them, all around them. Have the children go across the circle and backwards.
- Have each child find a partner and do their movement with the other person, seeing if they can put the motions together in some way. Ask them to mirror their partners.
- Ask the children to find another partner, then another using the same process. Have three people come together, then four, depending on the number in the class. Keep them moving until the whole group comes together in movement as a kind of dance. Make sure that the group incorporates everyone into the exercise. The whole process should take no more than 10 minutes. Make sure you choose music that lasts long enough for the whole exercise.
- Ask the children to write, draw, or talk to one person about what they felt as they were moving. Give them enough time to respond deeply to the activity.
- Ask children who chose writing or art if they would like to share their work with one other person. Remembering to insist on only positive feedback. If they feel comfortable, the pairs could come back to the group and share what they learned from their partner.
- Talk with the whole group about what you observed. Point out that everyone has their own style and way of being in the class and that we honor each other by sharing. Ask about how they felt while they were moving. Are there other times that they have felt this way?
- If there is time, add an activity where the children become the parts of a machine by creating a movement and accompanying sound. Have the children move together to construct the machine.
- Do a simple closing ritual such as a song or simple game.